Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Gondar, Ethiopia, where vibrant sunlit days can pose significant risks for skin health. With maximum UV levels frequently reaching as high as 12 during midday, awareness is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health. Gondar's Aw climate means sunny spells are common, elevating the importance of monitoring UV exposure throughout the day. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while protecting your skin from harmful rays.
Start your day cautiously, as the UV Index gradually climbs from a gentle 1 at 07:00 to a notable 2 by 08:00. As the sun rises higher, prepare for a dramatic spike, reaching a peak of 12 at 12:00—the ideal time to seek shade or slather on the sunscreen! The intensity begins to wane post-lunchtime, but still remains significant, hovering at 10 by 14:00. By the late afternoon, the levels drop to a comfortable 4 at 16:00 before tapering off into the evening, with values of 2 at 17:00 and 1 at 18:00, finally retreating to 0 by 19:00. Stay safe and shielded during those midday hours!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, with the most critical months for sun exposure being from February to August when values frequently reach 15, indicating an extreme exposure risk and a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. January starts with a high index of 12, while December slightly decreases to 10, but still falls within the very high category with a burn time of 15 minutes. Given this data, visitors and residents should exercise caution during high UV periods, particularly from February to August, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade whenever possible to minimize skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mek'ele UVI | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
Bahir Dar UVI | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 |
Gondar | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 |
Dire Dawa UVI | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 11 |
Nazret UVI | 13 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 |
Addis Ababa UVI | 13 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 15 | 16 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 |